As the 2026 college football season unfolds, national media outlets and experts have released their predictions for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff field, national championship contenders, and Heisman Trophy favorites, with established powers like Ohio State, Texas, and defending champion Indiana under heavy scrutiny.
Preseason Playoff Projections and National Title Contenders
Preseason Playoff Projections and National Title Contenders
With the 12-team College Football Playoff entering its third year, analysts across multiple sports publications have cast their early ballots for the postseason field. National outlets largely lean toward established programs, though defending champion Indiana faces significant skepticism regarding its ability to repeat after losing key talent to the NFL. While the preseason Associated Press Top 10 has historically seen heavy turnover—with four teams missing the 12-team field in 2024 and five missing it last year—experts continue to place programs like Ohio State, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Texas at the forefront of their playoff brackets.
Projections for automatic qualifiers and at-large bids highlight the enduring strength of the SEC and Big Ten. Analysts note that traditional powerhouses must navigate grueling conference schedules.
Early Season Upsets and Impact on the Postseason Picture
Early Season Upsets and Impact on the Postseason Picture
Week 2 action already delivered a major shakeup to early playoff projections. As reported by ESPN, Oregon entered its matchup against Oklahoma State as a 23.5-point favorite after routing the Cowboys last season. Paced by 554 total yards of offense from Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State pulled off a 39-31 victory that immediately knocked the Ducks out of early playoff projections.
These results have forced analysts to reevaluate tier-one contenders as conference play intensifies.
Heisman Trophy Contenders and Individual Standouts
Heisman Trophy Contenders and Individual Standouts
The race for the Heisman Trophy remains wide open following Fernando Mendoza’s surprise win last season. Analysts point to Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr as an early favorite, though sitting at +700 odds, leaving ample room for challengers. Other analysts have tabbed Texas quarterback Arch Manning as a primary contender, noting that a strong performance against top competition early in the schedule could cement his front-runner status.
Program turnover remains a central theme for several top-10 teams. Teams like Texas are relying on veteran leadership in key positions, while programs such as LSU and Texas A&M face questions regarding new coordinators and roster replenishment via the transfer portal.
CFP Field Predictions
In 2026, the College Football Playoff remains a 12-team field — though expansion discussions are ongoing. Notre Dame are looking to return to the CFP after missing the postseason in 2025. Entering the 2026 season, it certainly feels like there’s a handful of programs that are all but guaranteed to reach the College Football Playoff barring any kind of catastrophic injury situations and off-field disasters. Oregon coach Lanning points to ‘lack of leadership’ after stunner vs. OK State. Texas coach Sarkisian stated that Ohio St. should be rewarded for playing Texas. Gov. Landry pleas for ‘Southern hospitality’ in Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss. FSU fires AD Alford as questions loom over football.
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